Mary Anne MacLeod was born in the village of Tong which is a few miles away from Stornoway; the main town on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Raised in a Gaelic-speaking family, the Scottish tongue was her native language while she learned English in school. As was common with Hebridean islanders following historical events like the Highland Clearances and World War One, she left for the United States in 1930 as a youth at 18. She later met and married Fred Trump and the two would have Donald J Trump; the 45th president of the country.Mary Anne MacLeod was born in the village of Tong which is a few miles away from Stornoway; the main town on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Raised in a Gaelic-speaking family, the Scottish tongue was her native language while she learned English in school. As was common with Hebridean islanders following historical events like the Highland Clearances and World War One, she left for the United States in 1930 as a youth at 18. She later met and married Fred Trump and the two would have Donald J Trump; the 45th president of the country.
Mary Anne MacLeod was born in the village of Tong which is a few miles away from Stornoway; the main town on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Raised in a Gaelic-speaking family, the Scottish tongue was her native language while she learned English in school. As was common with Hebridean islanders following historical events like the Highland Clearances and World War One, she left for the United States in 1930 as a youth at 18. She later met and married Fred Trump and the two would have Donald J Trump; the 45th president of the country.

11 Famous Scottish Gaelic speakers (or students) including Donald Trump’s mother

Despite being endangered, Scottish Gaelic has been spoken (or studied) by many prominent figures, including the family of the former president of the United States.
Thomas Mackay
By Thomas Mackay
Published 7th Oct 2022, 14:23 BST
Updated 18th Jun 2023, 09:28 BST

Scottish Gaelic is an endangered language that was brought to Scotland around AD 500 by way of Ireland. Our 2011 census revealed that around 57,000 people spoke the language while 87,000 had some of the ‘language skills’ - a fairly low figure for a population of over 5.5 million.

However, after Gaelic’s launch on the language-learning app Duolingo saw it successfully pull in 1.5 million learners, there’s been renewed hope for its survival. Famous musicians, social media influencers and TV shows have showcased the language too, making it an exciting time for Gaelic students.

As Donald J Trump visits Scotland this week, many are reminded of his ties to Scotland which includes his mother – Mary Anne MacLeod – who was a native Gaelic speaker from Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides.

In recognition of Gaelic and its legacy in the world, here are 11 famous speakers – or students – of the Scottish tongue.

As Donald J Trump visits Scotland this week, many are reminded of his ties to Scotland which includes his mother – Mary Anne MacLeod – who was a native Gaelic speaker from Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides.

Cal Flyn is an award-winning writer from the Scottish Highlands who wrote the books 'Islands of Abandonment: Life in the Post-Human Landscape' and 'Thicker Than Water'. Flyn has studied Scottish Gaelic previously and wrote an article for Prospect Magazine explaining why people should learn the language despite its endangered status, vowing that she will "keep trying" to do her part for its survival.

9. Cal Flyn

Cal Flyn is an award-winning writer from the Scottish Highlands who wrote the books 'Islands of Abandonment: Life in the Post-Human Landscape' and 'Thicker Than Water'. Flyn has studied Scottish Gaelic previously and wrote an article for Prospect Magazine explaining why people should learn the language despite its endangered status, vowing that she will "keep trying" to do her part for its survival. Photo: Submitted

Photo Sales
Capercaillie is a Scottish folk band that was founded by Donald Shaw in 1984, featuring Karen Matheson as the lead singer who sings in Scottish Gaelic. Despite being shunned for using the language as a child as it was considered something to look down upon, Matheson has since rose to fame as one of the most famous Gaelic vocalists of all time.

10. Capercaillie - Karen Matheson

Capercaillie is a Scottish folk band that was founded by Donald Shaw in 1984, featuring Karen Matheson as the lead singer who sings in Scottish Gaelic. Despite being shunned for using the language as a child as it was considered something to look down upon, Matheson has since rose to fame as one of the most famous Gaelic vocalists of all time. Photo: Malopez 21 + Bryan Ledgard via Wikimedia Commons

Photo Sales
Martin Compston is a former professional football player and Scottish actor. He is well-known for his role as Steve Arnott in the BBC drama 'Line of Duty' and has starred in many other productions. According to The National, Compston recently revealed that he is learning Scottish Gaelic for an upcoming BBC documentary project.

11. Martin Compston

Martin Compston is a former professional football player and Scottish actor. He is well-known for his role as Steve Arnott in the BBC drama 'Line of Duty' and has starred in many other productions. According to The National, Compston recently revealed that he is learning Scottish Gaelic for an upcoming BBC documentary project. Photo: Ian West via PA / John Linton via PA

Photo Sales
Previous
3 / 3
Next Page
Related topics:Donald J TrumpScotlandUnited StatesIrelandStornowayPeople